A New York woman shares the sacred, the profane, and the mundane aspects of her year in Venice. And beyond.

04 October 2007

Autumn

When I opened my window this morning, there was a little nip in the air. And there on my windowsill was… a perfect, red autumn leaf! But from where?! Trees are not common in this city built on petrified poles instead of nurturing soil. If I lived near I Giardini or a campo with a scattering of trees, I could understand. But my new apartment is in the most urban part of the city, halfway between Rialto and San Marco. Is it possible there is an unseen roof garden above me where a tree is now in the full flame of autumn color? Here is yet more evidence of La Serenissima’s many secrets, as well as a sweet reminder that my favorite season is now underway.